Basil and the Lost Colony by Eve Titus

Author:Eve Titus
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aladdin

9

AVALANCHE!

THE NEXT MORNING WE AROSE at six, had our tea, and climbed steadily for two hours. Then we breakfasted on brown bread and cheese.

At this time Basil explained his plan of operation.

“Should I be unable to lead you, by reason of illness or accident, Tillary Quinn will serve in my stead. Now for the plan. We will climb every morning, as expeditioneers usually do. However, in the afternoons I’ll assign teams to fan out in all directions to search for the Snowmouse—no nook or cranny must be overlooked. Imagine yourselves detectives, seeking to solve the Greatest Mystery in Mouse History!”

“Hear! Hear!” we shouted enthusiastically.

We faced many dangers in the days ahead.

There were narrow gaps to be leaped across, and gaps too wide for leaping. For these we made bridges of long sticks lashed together with rope, and crawled over on paws and knees, not daring to look down.

Some rivers were too deep for wading, and too wide for bridges. We would make canoes from hollowed-out branches. Once an inquisitive fish almost upset our canoe. Basil tossed him a loaf of brown bread, which kept him busy while we paddled off.

We could not cross the River Sbrinz in any of these ways. Its treacherous current and great width made any crossing risky. Basil decided upon a detour.

“Three precious days will be lost,” he told us, “but I refuse to put one mouse’s life in danger. We’ll follow the shoreline to Bachenreich Falls. There, where the river narrows, we will cross.”

We marched on, in excellent spirits. The Swiss villagers were a friendly group, except for one shy youth who seemed to want to be alone. Generally, we were like one big, happy family.

We still searched for the Snowmouse, with no success. We knew, however, that we stood more chance of finding him above the snowline.

The days were hot. When the river curved inland, forming a quiet pool, we would sit down in the water to cool off. We must have looked rather ridiculous.

Picture, if you will, a party of thirty-two mice in water up to their chins, holding umbrellas to shield their heads from the sun’s burning rays.

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